Workout of the Day

Athlete Spotlight

August 2017

Kristen Weatherly

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

I grew up in Castle Rock, CO and went to college in Denver. I moved to Dallas for work about 1.5 years ago and lead the customer experience team for a software company called Active Network. I have a 1 year old Golden Retriever who is the sweetest thing in the world and I love a good camping trip (except maybe not in Texas because there are too many bugs).

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I’ve been doing CrossFit on and off for about 5 years now. I always regret the “off” part, but it feels good to finally get back into it! A friend introduced me to CrossFit White Rock and I’ve met so many great people and look forward to coming to the gym everyday!

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

CrossFit gives you confidence that you can’t get anywhere else. You build a stronger mentality and learn that you really can do anything you put your mind to…no matter how long it may take you!

This was the first WOD I ever completed and it’s fun to re-do and see how far I’ve come.

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

Anything that involves running…or burpees.

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A WOD, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT AND WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

Weights & Wine…

You lift all the weights, then drink all the wine…can we do this please?

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

Goals in CrossFit are to come to class even if I see that there’s a lot of running in the WOD…and to actually squat snatch instead of power snatching. Goals outside of CrossFit are to check off the Texas bucket list. Marfa, Big Bend, Caddo Lake, Gorman Falls…. If anyone wants to go on an adventure, let me know!

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

My favorite part about CrossFit is the community. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging for you to reach your goals. In return, you’re excited to see everyone else reach their goals. You won’t find that environment in a “regular” gym.

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD EVER BE FOR YOU?

Yes

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

I’m just like everyone else! Super busy with work and life but you have to make time for yourself and what makes you happy.

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

I was a competitive cheerleader all through high school and college.

July 2017

Dustin Pitts

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

I was born and raised in Bossier City, LA. By way of Arizona State University and China, I settled down in Dallas in 2013. I work in real estate sales and investment and have a mobile accessories business. I kind of do a little of everything.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

A good friend of mine had done CrossFit for years and always talked about it (like any good CrossFitter does). I live down the street from CFWR and always saw a bunch of crazy people running back and forth around that block. After a “bulking season” got a little too bulky, in February, 2016 I walked in and signed up. After years of working out in a regular gym, I needed a new challenge and I definitely found it here. I just wish I had done it sooner!

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I signed up to change physically but quickly realized that the biggest challenge is the mental one and that has been the most rewarding. Every workout has been a battle of what I can physically do versus what I believe I can do. The workouts and the CFWR coaches have pushed me in every way possible and the benefits spill over into my life outside of the gym.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

I like the olympic lifts because there are so many moving parts that come together and they take a lot of skill, focus, and constant practice to perfect. Everyone should try out the Barbell class because what you learn there will help you out a lot in CrossFit.

I like any of “The Girls” because they’re usually short and sweet (or not so sweet) and are a great benchmark to show you how your times have improved and how you have improved.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

Before starting CrossFit I was pretty decent at picking up heavy things and putting them back down but being able to apply that strength to compound and gymnastic movements while maintaining endurance has been the real challenge. My current goal is to get better at gymnastic movements and keep building my endurance.

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

In a conventional gym, it’s easy to get caught in a rut and do the same thing over and over while results plateau. With CrossFit, you’re forced to compete with yourself and others and there is the support structure of coaches and other athletes there to help you advance. There is a constant variation of workouts that keep it fun and the discipline is built in to it. All you have to do is consistently show up and give the work out all that you’ve got.

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD EVER BE FOR YOU?

If you had told me a couple of years ago that in my late thirties I’d be doing things like climbing ropes, trying to walk on my hands, or trying to get a muscle up, I’d say you’re crazy. But here I am and I plan to stay and do all of those things and more.

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

You’ve heard it before but you are your own worst enemy. Anyone can come in here and do this if you dedicate the time and believe in yourself. That focus and dedication you put into CrossFit will teach you the discipline to make achievements in all other areas of your life as well.

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

I once lived on a boat in Alaska for 6 months, I’ve been to China over 2 dozen times and speak Mandarin, and have been to 30+ countries with plans to visit many more. I love a good adventure!

June 2017

Carrie Dufresne

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

I’m from Atlanta and have been in Dallas for about 4 years now. I’m a reality TV camera operator.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I started back in 2010. A camera friend of mine had left the biz to become a personal trainer. I started training with her and about 6 months later, she thought I would be ready for CrossFit and I loved it!! I moved to Dallas from LA because my friend Jim Dineen said that reality was booming in Dallas and it I would be super busy here. He worked out at CFWR and I decided to come try it out. Met my BFF Diana Bacon through him and have made some really great friends here. The coaches are knowledgeable and super cool!

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I think between CrossFit and work, I’ve learned that I can do anything for 30 minutes and not die hahahaha!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

I love deadlifts and kettle bell swings!

Annie is my favorite WOD, but I do single under because after 7 years, double unders are still really stupid. Katie Hogan once said to me that I’m the only person she’s ever seen hit themselves in the head every time haha.

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

Anything with burpees. I’m very aware of how tall and heavy I am after about 10 burpees.

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A WOD, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT AND WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

I would name it C DU and it would have kettle bell swings, abmat sit ups, and cleans.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

I just want to continue working in Dallas and also making sure I continue prioritizing my workouts with my work schedule. I work 5 days a week, 12 hours a day. I carry a 35 pound camera most of the day. I’ve made so much progress the last couple years here at CFWR, I want to keep my PR numbers up. I want to be that person that can get up early and workout and then go to work haha!

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

It’s not boring. It’s always different. When I can’t make it to the box, I try for 30 mins on the elliptical and that gets so mundane. It helps me when I go climbing though. I’m better at climbing thanks to CrossFit!

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD EVER BE FOR YOU?

Being an elite person, this was the obvious path for me.

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

Hmmm I dunno. I’m just a regular person, doing regular person things. No matter what kind of day I have at work or personally, I know that going to the box will lift my spirits. Throwing heavy weight around and hanging out with awesome friends can make those hard days easy.

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

My strict press is 10#’s more than Jayla and that’s the only thing I can do better than her!! haha

I’m not a super competitive person but being friends with her keeps me a little on a competitive edge!

May 2017

Cristina Marshall

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

I was born in Baltimore, but spent most of my childhood in Alabama and Florida. I met my husband, Dennis, while living in Tallahassee. I am a former junior high teacher, but am now working for a large architecture firm and manage their Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I have been CrossFitting for a year, but just started participating in classes about 9 months ago. For the first few months, I was doing one-on-one training with Coach Jesse.

My husband encouraged me to join CFWR. He had discovered CrossFit about a year earlier and kept telling me that I would love it. I thought he was crazy, but once I came to the box, met a few people, completed the elements classes, and began my personal training with Jesse, I knew he was right (don’t tell him that).

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

Physically, I am stronger than ever. Last year I couldn’t do one Ab Mat situp and this year I completed my first Open!

Mentally, I have learned that sometimes you just have to close your eyes and go! Just ask Jesse. He thinks it’s hilarious that I close my eyes when I am on the Assault Bike or rower!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

Without a doubt, deadlifts!!!

So far, no, but I have been working on body weight movements and cardiovascular endurance, so Cindy is at the top of my list.

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

Anything that involves a ton of running, but I recently conquered Nancy!

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A WOD, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT AND WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

“Just Close Your Eyes and Go!”

4 rounds for time

25 calories on Assault Bike

15 deadlifts

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

I am working on body weight movements, so pull-ups, ring dips and HSPUs.

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

I think the CrossFit community as a whole is like no other. Everyone is working on their own fitness goals, but at the same time they are just as invested in encouraging those around them to do their best as well.

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD EVER BE FOR YOU?

Absolutely not!

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

I was a 44-year-old overweight woman with no elite fitness experience less than a year ago and this year I participated and finished all of the workouts in the CrossFit Open! If I can do it, anyone can.

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

I’m a huge Florida State Seminoles fan…in fact, the first time my husband asked me out, I turned him down so that I could watch the ‘Noles play Nebraska for the National Championship.

April 2017

Devin Jacobson

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

I’ve been in Dallas Since ’93. Grew up in East Texas, Kilgore (Liberty City), and born in Utah.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

Started CrossFitting maybe 6 years ago now! Wow. I came to White Rock after my wife Rachel joined, (this after a year and ½ of her telling me to shut up about this CrossFit thing) and she loved it here. It was closer than my first Box anyway, so I tried it and loved the coaches, equipment, and the people!

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I continue to get mentally (and some physically) stronger, WOD by WOD. That’s not to say I don’t have bad days/weeks/or months, but just showing up and getting through a WOD in my opinion gets you a step further, whether you PR’d something, or could barely make it through. I love and definitely need the encouragement I get from the CFWR Family!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

I really like pullups, deadlifts, and chest-to-bars, and every time I get to do a ring MU I enjoy it because it was such a struggle to learn! (now stringing them together is not quite as fun!)

I really like Angie (100 Pullups, pushups, sit-ups, and squats) and Murph, even though I hate it, haha.. just the awesome atmosphere.. one day I’ll RX.

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

Nancy… or anything with Overhead Squats…(they are my bane, but I vow to work on them this year!)

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A WOD, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT AND WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

It just seems to take the best parts of so many different programs and blend it into a super program. The constant routine varying and intensity is what really drives me.

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD EVER BE FOR YOU?

I really hadn’t heard of it before I was invited to a Box for the first time, but it really helps assuage my need for team sports that I played the majority of my younger life!

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

Anyone can relate to my story! Just trying to stave off Father Time!!! CrossFit is great way for me to do that.

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

I really used to have a terrible temper, and I work on it every day, and CrossFit has been such a great way to help keep me grounded, and such a great outlet for stress that we all feel in our lives!

March 2017

Sinai Guijosa

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

I grew up on Mesa Vista Ranch, basically in the middle of nowhere, the nearest city being Amarillo, Texas. Been living in the Dallas Area for three years, after attending OSU and finishing my culinary degree at Le Cordon Bleu. Currently, I’m working at Unleavened Kitchen as the sous chef.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

From the recommendation of a friend, who is a coach, I started CrossFitting in 2015, just as the open started. I trained with him for about a year, but then moved from Addison to the Lakewood area, so in late April of last year, I found CFWR and well you know the rest.

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

In high school I played football, basketball, track tennis and golf, so I have a background in athletics, but since starting I definitely feel like I’ve gotten stronger.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

Kettlebells, wall balls, anything with a barbell, even though I’m still not that great. But working on it!

I like any WOD that takes you into that dark and scary place.

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

Open Workout 15.5 of 27-21-15-9 Cal row and thrusters . I think it’s the only WOD that has made me feel like I was going to puke.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

You’re always working on something new, whether you are good at it or not. Every day is different; always a new challenge.

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD EVER BE FOR YOU?

I hadn’t really, but I like that there’s a goal to strive for.

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

I grew up on a hunting ranch, so I’m very much into outdoor activities. I love hunting, fishing, and riding horses.

February 2017

Dennis Marshall

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

I was born in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Texas when I was 8. I grew up in the Trophy Club/Roanoke area. College, graduate school, and professional positions took me to Florida, New York, Chicago, London and eventually back home to Dallas with my wife of 22 years, Cris (who also works out at CFWR). I have spent most of my career working in private equity and investment banking and am currently a partner in a private investment company that invests primarily in healthcare organizations.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I’ve been CrossFitting consistently since May of 2015. I discovered and became interested in CrossFit when I saw several videos on YouTube. It looked challenging and like a lot of fun, so I started doing some workouts on my own in my garage. After a few months of doing so, I eventually met a CFWR member, Eric Lardner, who convinced me to get out of the garage and join the gym and the CrossFit community. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I’ve seen pretty dramatic improvements both mentally and physically. I’m a fairly disciplined person and goal oriented, but I have historically focused so much on achieving my goals that I seldom enjoyed the journey. CrossFit is so challenging that you must celebrate the small victories as you develop and become more experienced. You have to remain positive in order to keep moving forward. I have only been able to do so because of the fantastic people and coaches that I have met at CFWR. No matter what my day has been like, I always look forward to going to the gym because I’m going to see friends and spend time with people I admire and respect.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

I don’t know if I would say that it’s my “favorite”, but I’m happy that I’ve been able to develop the skill to do muscle-ups, both ring and bar (neither of which I was able to do in last year’s CrossFit Open).

I like WODs like Cindy, Murph, and Barbara because they involve body-weight exercises and/or running.

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

Fran…definitely Fran. It gives me shivers when I think about it…ugh.

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A WOD, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT AND WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

All of the coaches have helped me tremendously. Jesse has helped me make a ton of progress this year…he has been awesome. But, he never misses an opportunity to let me know that my gains are a direct result of his awesome coaching, ha. So, I guess I would name a WOD “It’s a Win for You, Jesse” and it would be:

3 RFT of:

5 Squat Cleans at 185 lbs.

15 HSPUs

30 DUs

All of which I suck at!

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

One of my current goals inside of CrossFit is to get stronger. I’ve improved my strength a lot since starting CrossFit, but I have a long way to go to develop the strength levels I ultimately want to reach.

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

CrossFit constantly forces you outside of your comfort zone – no matter if you’re new to CrossFit or performing at the most elite level. It requires you to be so good at such a variety of skills and movements that there will always be something to work on and improve.

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD EVER BE FOR YOU?

I really didn’t know about CrossFit until 2 years ago. I wish I would have known about it years ago…it has been an awesome experience and challenge so far.

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

I think a lot of people think they are either too old or too out of shape to try CrossFit. I started CrossFit at 42 and had not worked out consistently for the previous ten years. You’re never too old or too out of shape to start!

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

A lot of people don’t know that I grew up boxing. I was an amateur boxer from 16 to 20 and competed in the Golden Gloves competition for three of those years. I had great experiences and am a big fan of the sport.

January 2017

Dee Grant

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, moved to Dallas in 1993 and never looked back. Attended Notre Dame Law School (Go Irish!) and now I own Celtic Legal, a legal document review company. I live next door to my twin sister, her husband, and 2 kids , plus my brother and his partner live round the corner ( Irish families like to stay close). My brother, Cak, just joined CFWR, so be nice to him!!!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I joined 15 months ago. My brother’s partner had been CrossFitting for several years and I was really impressed with the results. I sampled a few local gyms but CFWR was the most welcoming.

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I always figured I was limited by my tiny frame and destined to be forever wimpy – then I met Michelle (Tot) and knew I couldn’t use that excuse anymore. At 100 lbs I was really puny when I joined. Despite several intervening sports injuries (unrelated to CrossFit) I’m now 113 lbs and can actually see muscles in my upper body. When I started I didn’t think I could do half the exercises and was even annoyed at some coaches for ‘expecting too much from me’ – now I can master most movements and realize the coaches could just see my potential before I could.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

There are ones that I am ‘good’ at but they’re not necessarily my favorite. I appreciate the beauty in some movements even though I’m not great at them, like C+J, Muscle Ups and Butterfly Pull Ups. I love watching elite athletes perform these movements. But if I had to pick a favorite it would be box jumps.

A favorite WOD would be the Filthy Fifty followed closely by Murph. I love long endurance-style WODs that really test your resolve. During these WODs I just keep repeating to myself “never ever give up”. I do that with dating also, but it doesn’t work as well.

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A WOD, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT AND WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

Oh goody, have always wanted to create my own WOD. Can we do this one every St Patrick’s Day?

The Irish Jig:

4 X 100m Overhead Plate Lunges 35/25 (4 provinces of Ireland)

32 Abmat Sit-ups (32 counties of Ireland)

26 Bar Facing Burpees (26 counties in Republic of Ireland)

6 80% 1RM Deadlifts (6 counties in Northern Ireland)

1922K Row (1922 year of Independence)

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

Short term goals: Master the muscle up and handstand walk.

(Very) Long term goal: Compete in CrossFit Games Masters Division (50-54).

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

Before CrossFit, I always thought I was the only freak who craved high intensity, don’t stop til you drop, fitness programs. I never understood why people took up a sport or fitness regime if they didn’t push themselves to the limit every time – what was the point!!? Then I found CrossFit, full of like-minded ‘freaks’ like me, who I now call family.

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD EVER BE FOR YOU?

I’ve always been competitive but never dreamed I would be doing some of the stuff I’m doing now. Wouldn’t quite say I’ve reached the ‘elite’ part yet though.

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

When I show friends the WODs we do they think I’m crazy (and admittedly I was a bit crazy doing that midnight NYE WOD at Luna this year- however I blame that entirely on Jayla Henneberry and two whiskeys) but the fact is that everything is possible – you either do it, or you don’t, it’s as simple as that.

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

I play Gaelic football which is like a cross between soccer, rugby and basketball. We’re always looking for new members, male or female, so check us out: www.dallasgaa.com. (Don’t ye just love free plugs?)

Oh and I played pool with Ron Wood from Rolling Stones and smoked weed with Willie Nelson – my recollection of the latter is a little hazy.

December 2016

Amber Harrison

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

I was born in Fort Worth but grew up in Oklahoma. I went to The University of Oklahoma (BOOMER SOONER) where I met my husband, Josh. After graduating and getting married, we moved to Texas and have been back for seven years now. Before moving to Dallas, I spent the last two years in Southern California for my residency in Nurse Anesthesia while Josh moved to Mansfield to be closer to work. Now, I’m happily employed as a CRNA at Parkland Hospital here in Dallas.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I started CrossFit in March of 2012.

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

This is a hard question to answer for me. Since I’ve started at White Rock, I’ve injured my shoulder and got pregnant, so I have a totally different perspective now. I guess I can say it’s nice to have a community where family is clearly important and to see other moms making fitness a priority in their lives.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

It’s a toss up between wall balls and handstand push ups. Mary, Jackie and Fran are all favorites!

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

ISABEL!!!!!!! Without hesitation.

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A WOD, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT AND WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

I LOVE a good chipper so I’d make it a long one! And I’d name it Jack after our soon to be first born!

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

My biggest goal right now is staying healthy and fit throughout my pregnancy. I’d love to follow in the footsteps of all the CrossFit moms before me who have kept it up until the bitter end!

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

Before I started CrossFit, I was really into gym fitness classes like BodyPump and Spin/cycling. None of the other fitness programs I’ve tried can beat the camaraderie and friendship you build from suffering through grueling WODs together or cheering each others PRs. You become part of a very close knit community and that’s very unique to CrossFit.

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD EVER BE FOR YOU?

I was one of the last of my friends to start CrossFit and I always kind of thought my friends were crazy when I heard them talk about it. Now, I couldn’t imagine ever not doing CrossFit and they think I’m the crazy one!

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

If someone had told me before I started CrossFit that I’d be able to lift a barbell with my bodyweight on it in one movement from the ground to overhead I would have laughed and called them crazy. I think a very common theme in CrossFit is discovering you can do so much more than you ever imagined. CrossFit has shown me I can achieve almost any athletic goal I set my mind to

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

For MLB fans at the gym, I went to junior high and high school with Matt Kemp. He was a huge brat. I’m also terrified of heights but climbed Half Dome last year with the encouragement and support from one of my best friends whom I met through CrossFit of course!

November 2016

Khang Truong

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

Former Starbucks barista. Current college student. Long time Hospital Corpsman. I was born in Vietnam and moved to Indiana in April 2004. I moved to Dallas in August 2012 shortly after I graduated from Navy “C” School. My grandfather was a US Army Captain during the Vietnam War. My mom’s side of the family and I were able to come to the US for a better life because of him, and he inspired me to join the military.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I started about 2 years ago as a New Year’s resolution to be physically better (the first NY resolution that actually stuck! Whoohoo!). CFWR was my first box. Kyle and Cullen were such amazing coaches that I didn’t care to look for other locations. Also, LA Fitness was getting boring. I just wanted something that could kick my ass everyday. What can I say? I’m a masochist.

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I’ve noticed small changes on my body which is very nice! The change is gradual but I’m not complaining! My neighbor recently complimented me with “you look like you go to the gym” so… that’s nice, LOL.

I think once I was able to do DU’s and kipping pull-ups with (relative) ease, I know anything is possible for me if I keep practicing everyday. Recently, every time I see a workout that seems intimidating, I tell myself: “If it scares you, then you should definitely do it.” And that mindset really helps me be better during the WOD’s.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

I’m quite fast at air squats! I also like back squats a lot because it’s the one movement I can lift the most. I like anything that doesn’t involve the barbell out on the floor, which is the wrong thing to say, I think?! Deadlift is fine.

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

Listen, nobody likes thrusters. I don’t like SDLHP, either; it’s a weird, uncomfortable movement that doesn’t allow me to lift very much. Wall balls are my nemesis because it’s not fair for a 5’3 (with shoes) person to throw it on the top line!

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A WOD, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT AND WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

I would like to be able to do more than 2 strict pull ups at a time and bar muscle ups without the box, as well as improving my HSPU.

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

The WOD’s are so diverse! It’s always different each week but at the same time has a structure to it. The community is a huuuge plus. I love when other people, who finished before me, come up to me and encourage me to finish my workout! It keeps me motivated every time!

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD EVER BE FOR YOU?

Heck no. But really, I had no idea what I signed up for at the time… I’m glad I did all the same.

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

I think one look at me, and they’ll feel like they can do it, too! But in all seriousness, I can attest that the mental and physical health will improve. The physical part might come slowly but it will come.

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

– I enjoy reading… I sometimes take breaks from studying/reading textbooks by reading a novel… Don’t judge me.

– I’m a big Harry Potter fan. You’re automatically cool in my book if you’re one, too. My first two tattoos are HP related. I also read the series every year around Thanksgiving/Christmas time… I don’t know why. I just do.

– My first deployment was to Bahrain for 8 months so technically I’ve lived in 3 different countries… That’s kind of cool, right?

October 2016

The Jameson Family

Chris, AnneMarie, Dakota and Dresden on the way!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

We both grew up in the small town of Wenatchee, WA and actually went to highschool together but never dated until after college. Chris returned back to Wenatchee after deploying to Iraq for a year with the Navy and I went back home after graduating college with a double major in Nursing and Exercise Science. We met up one day and have been together ever since. After spending several years as a NICU nurse, I decided to be a stay at home mom with our son Dakota and future son, Dresden. Chris works as a full time real estate investor.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

Chris was the first one to join CrossFit back in the Spring of 2013 and I joined him shortly after. We were members of an awesome gym and amazing community in San Antonio as part of 210 CrossFit. We moved to Dallas at the end of 2014 and after settling down in our home and having Dakota, we begun our search for a local Dallas box with a great community feel, great programming, and an experienced coaching staff. We found exactly what we were looking for at CrossFit White Rock.

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

Chris has gotten into better shape after only working out on and off for the past 2 years. After tearing his knee cartilage this past January playing basketball, he has put greater emphasis on keeping correct form and intra workout pacing. Not going balls to the wall out of the gate. For me, I started CrossFit White Rock one month before becoming pregnant for the second time, so it’s been great staying active and healthy during this pregnancy. During my first pregnancy I gained over 55 pounds and so far… I’ve only gained 25 pounds with 5 weeks to go 🙂

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

Ironically, Chris’ is Cleans. Power Cleans, Squat Cleans, Hang Cleans. Really any kind of clean, as long as it’s not cleaning around the house. 🙂 I really enjoy Front Squats and Back Squats. Squats strengthen the muscle groups I use to pick up after Chris and Dakota. 🙂 mostly joking :p

I like MetCon WODs to build muscular endurance and improve cardio. Chris likes Grace and Isabel. And really anything with pullups, cleans, snatches, box jumps, push ups, squats, and/or rowing. He’s a machine. Or at least he thinks he is 😛

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

I don’t like WODs involving snatches because I have terrible form. I’ve been pregnant 2 out of the past 3 years, so it’s been tough to practice! Chris hates Wall Balls with a passion!

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A WOD, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT AND WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

To make it to 40 weeks pregnant while stilling working out. Chris’ goal is to get back into the shape he was in before he developed a dad bod 😛

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

It’s a fantastic measure of overall fitness. It’s always changing and your body keeps adapting and developing without plateauing. There’s a tremendous amount of self accountability in a group setting and there’s an incredible overall community of people.

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD EVER BE FOR YOU?

Chris did. He tried CrossFit for the first time when he was in Afghanistan and was hooked. He also played collegiate football and was always really athletic so working out in a group setting and pushing your own limits has always been apart of his workout routine. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Chris, I probably wouldn’t have ever joined CrossFit. I was really intimidated by it. I’m glad he encouraged me to join. It’s changed my life!

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

We’re just regular people, with regular jobs, with a regular family life. We’ve been in the military, moved away from home, had kids, and traveled the world. Like many people these days, we are Dallas transplants just looking to establish a work-life balance that includes living a healthy lifestyle and becoming a part of an encouraging community. There’s tons of people out there like us.

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

Chris graduated Navy bootcamp as the number one overall recruit out of over 720 graduates, receiving the highest possible award, the Military Excellence Award. I secretly like to listen to loud rap music when I drive around by myself! Hahahaha. I can’t beleieve I’m putting it out there! Like the intro scene to Office Space: https://youtu.be/XASNM1XEQPs

September 2016

Russ Page

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

Originally from West Texas (Eldorado, actually, but no one knows where it is), I am the second oldest of five (four boys, one girl). I went to Texas Tech for undergrad and SMU for law school. I am an attorney and work for a non-profit foundation. I have been married to my beautiful wife, Becky (also a Crossfitter), for ten years and we have three very entertaining children.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I have been Crossfitting for just over five years now at CFWR. Becky and I had just moved to Lakewood with our little girl and newborn baby boy in June of 2011 when David Williams told me about CrossFit and said I should give it a try. He had been a member for about six months and loved it. In hindsight, I’m amazed I actually consented to give it a try. At the time, I was very overweight and had not been involved in any sort of consistent exercise regimen in over nine years. Ignorance being bliss…I skipped the intro class and decided to just sign up for Elements. After the first class, I thought death was imminent but then the small sense of pride that I felt for surviving the workout eventually grew into a full blown addiction.

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

Man, this is a tough one so I apologize in advance for not being brief. The changes, both mental and physical, have been drastic. Physically, the past five years have been the most exciting and challenging of my life. I started CrossFit in 2011 when I was out of shape and overweight (70 to 80 lbs. overweight) with little to no muscle to speak of. Prior to CrossFit, exercise consisted of an occasional moment of inspiration to go for a run or a quarterly workout at Gold’s Gym. My diet was driven solely by my cravings with no regard to the nutritional value of the food that I was taking in. I had a high stress job and high blood pressure to go with it. My doctors told me that I was a perfect candidate for a heart attack or stroke.

After joining CFWR, I was a little inconsistent with my workouts in the beginning and very intimidated by the level of fitness of those around me. I liked the workouts but was also frustrated that I couldn’t perform at the level of other members which actually increased my drive to get better. The change occurred when I was dying during a Saturday morning workout that involved a 400m run, with a smash ball, at the end of every round. I was set to be the last one to finish, again, and was tempted to throw in the towel for the day but Brian and Mike told me to pick up the ball and said they would run with me. They had already finished and were dead tired but wouldn’t let me quit. The accountability and friendship started that day and has never stopped.

Five years later, I lost the 70 lbs. of fat, added muscle and no longer have high blood pressure. The weight dropped fairly quickly after I joined and dropped even further when I dialed in on my nutrition. It took a while for me to let go of some eating habits that were doing more harm than good. I love to cook and I love to celebrate with great food and wine. Not a bad thing…but just not every night.

The mental changes became very apparent about a month ago. As many of you are aware, my family and I were on vacation in Colorado when I had a stroke (On.The.First.Day!). No one was more shocked than me. It wasn’t until after the first MRI that I truly understood/believed that I had a stroke.

I remember lying in the hospital bed with so many fears and questions about life going forward and how this would affect Becky and the kids. One question, in particular, kept nagging at me but I was a little hesitant to ask for fear of the answer… “Can I get back to CrossFit?” Five years ago I could have cared less about exercise and here I am now, worried that I won’t be able to get back to CrossFit. That’s a massive mental change.

The occurrence of the stroke and the recovery are thankfully two different stories…within hours of having the stroke which debilitated the left side of my body and my ability to speak, I started to regain movement and my speech drastically improved. Days after the stroke, every therapist that I met with (speech, physical, etc.) predicted a 100% recovery. When I finally had the courage to ask the doctors if I could get back to my usual workouts (and after explaining that it was CrossFit), every doctor approved and many said that it may have been the reason behind my quick recovery.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

I guess it would have to be heavy back squats followed by handstand push ups. There is always a small part of me that is surprised that I can come back up for both movements.

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

Anything involving running or toes to bar, no question. And burpees, of course.

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A WOD, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT AND WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

No clue. I think the stroke took out the creative side of my brain 😉

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

Current goal is to not have another stroke. Until very recently my goal was to get ring muscle ups…which I can finally cross off the list as of this morning. Thanks again Jesse!

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

CrossFit is one of very few sports/fitness programs that encourage community and individual accountability. From a community perspective, if I skip a workout I can count on getting at least three texts later that day, from Brian, Monica and Miriam, to check on me. I can also count on encouraging and being encouraged by others during a workout.

From an individual perspective, I have never been involved in a sport (except maybe golf) where you are the participant and judge for every workout. Every workout is a test of integrity to see if you can complete it and perform to the best of your ability. Many times in the past I have “shorted” the reps just so I could finish with the group and not be the last person. I can tell you from experience, it always feels better to complete the workout and finish last than to cut it short for the benefit of my ego.

And most importantly…the coaching! The coaches at CFWR (past and present) are the difference makers when it comes down to it. They are second to none and truly care about their craft.

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD EVER BE FOR YOU?

Absolutely not! My grandfather played professional football, dad played college football, and I barely played in high school. I assumed the athletic gene pool had been too watered down by the time I arrived.

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

If you have superior genetics and excelled in all sports from the day you were born then you may have a difficult time relating…

However, if you have gone from the couch to CrossFit then you can absolutely relate. Just continue to show up! You will be encouraged and your physical health will improve.

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

I’m pretty much an open book so I‘m usually surprised when someone says “I didn’t know that about you.” Simply put: I love Jesus, Becky, my kids, family and friends. Without them I would be nothing.

Special Note:

Thank you again to all of my close friends, you know who you are, who texted, IM’d, emailed, and called me when I was in the hospital and especially those who have taken care of me when I returned. I love you all!

August 2016

Ryan Roark

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

I’m originally from Tulsa, OK but left the state to study at Baylor which landed me in Houston upon graduation. Since then I’ve worked in Software Consulting and relocated to Dallas with my company, Pariveda Solutions, back in early 2013.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I started CrossFit in Houston in mid-2012, so I’ve officially hit the 4 year mark. I had never heard of it, but my wife was intrigued and I was about as uninterested as I could be – thankfully I pushed (or was pulled) through that. Found CrossFit White Rock when we moved to the area and all the other boxes nearby just didn’t feel quite right.

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

Wow – I believe I’ve changed a lot mentally and physically. Physically, I was always flirting with the underweight-for-my-height category due to two reasons: my background in distance running and never having the confidence or the acumen to try anything related to upper body strength. CrossFit helped me gain confidence and taught me how to move weights. It also got me invested in my own well-being and diet, and became a primary motivator for me to start working on gaining weight – I’m up about 30 pounds since when I started and have a few more lbs to go before I start thinking of pumping the brakes.

As for mental changes, CrossFit has been a major part of my life as I got through some anxiety I had coming out of college. It affected all parts of my life and was an big mental blocker for me. Starting CrossFit was pretty scary because of that anxiety, but after pushing through that wall and living a cleaner, healthier life that anxiety has vanished.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

Cleans. Couldn’t tell you why though…

I’ve always liked the 12 days of Christmas (lots of different movements and really pushes your physical and mental endurance)

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

Anything with intensity on the air-dyne.

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A WOD, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT AND WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

Still looking to gain more weight. Also looking to master something I’ve wanted to do for years – hand stand walk.

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

Beyond the awesome cult-like vibe we have nurtured, I’m a big fan of the community. Inside CFWR, the morning crew is a major motivator for getting out of bed. Outside of CFWR, the CF community comes alive during the open, regionals, and the games – the passion for the sport and for all the other athletes is what makes CrossFit so awesome.

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD EVER BE FOR YOU?

Not even the slightest – there are photos of me pre-CrossFit that would support this.

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

Walking into a box is intimidating. Some of us are overweight, some are underweight, but whatever the circumstance people here can work and build towards something better.

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

I’ve developed a few CrossFit oriented web sites:

One was an improvement on top of the existing Open Leaderboard on games.crossfit.com – it also powered analytics that fellow CrossFitters performed on the Open data for 2016. You can find it at openg.azurewebsites.net

Another is a WOD-tracking website that I’ve sort of stalled out on, but if you ever need a timer or a % calculator for a workout, check it out at globowod.com!

July 2016

Amanda Gadison

Tell us about yourself… Where are you from and what do you do?

I’m from Bartlett, Texas – Go Lassies! I have three awesome brothers, Webster, Nathan, and Peyton. I have a niece, Laila, and two nephews, Chayse and Aaron. I love them so much!

I used to work in Telecommunications sales, but recently decided to go to law school. I am currently interning at Crain Lewis Brogdon, LLP. I work with another CFWR member, Chris Lewis aka Superman in the legal world.

How long have you been CrossFitting and how did you hear about CrossFit White Rock?

I’ve been CrossFitting for one year and three months. Kyle was my first coach at CFWR, he was so encouraging, as was the entire gym community. The feel of a team and daily competition are what hooked me.

How have you seen yourself change – mentally or physically – since being a part of CrossFit White Rock?

If you had to name a WOD, what would you name it and what would it include?

What are some of your current goals in or outside of CrossFit?

In regards to CrossFit, I want to be more efficient with Olympic lifts, improve my handstand push-ups, and complete Nancy in less than 14 minutes with my girl Lenka.

How do you see CrossFit being different than other fitness programs?

CrossFit isn’t easy. It promotes hard work that you will rarely find outside of competitive athletics. Compared to conventional fitness programs, the work ethic, discipline, and commitment of CrossFitters is unparalleled. There is a strong, socially-based impulse that motivates CrossFitters to give their best effort at every training session and continually support each other.

The camaraderie and team atmosphere are my favorite. It also is an opportunity to meet some really great people!

Before you joined, did you think the sport of elite fitness would ever be for you?

Not at all. These bird legs never imagined anything elite.

How can other people relate to your story?

I needed the challenge of something new. Each day offers something different and keeps me interested. CrossFit will bring out the strengths and weaknesses in each person. It will keep you wanting to come to the gym to get better.

Lastly, tell us something that others may not know about you…

I grow corn in my backyard and I pickle cucumbers – let me know if you want to try them!

June 2016

Brian Watkins

Tell us about yourself… Where are you from and what do you do?

I am from a very small town in East Texas, where everybody knows your name, which was good or bad growing up. I work in Real Estate as the VP of Finance and Accounting for a local Property Management Company.

How long have you been CrossFitting and how did you hear about CrossFit White Rock?

Will be five years in August. Brian Alfano introduced me to CF and my first workout was Murph. It took me three months to recover and officially immerse myself, I have not looked back since.

How have you seen yourself change – mentally or physically – since being a part of CrossFit White Rock?

Mentally, I have become smarter in my WODs. Early on I would start out too fast and be slow to finish, just like everything in life, experience, if you listen and take it in, life becomes easier. Physically, I am as strong as I’ve ever been and I have been lifting since the end of 6th grade year. I haven’t been this “little” since before I discovered Starbucks 14 years ago.

What is your favorite movement and do you have a favorite WOD?

Squats, what else is there?! I also love me some thrusters! And now MU’s… Favorite WOD includes Murph or any of those that honor our fallen men and women in Uniform, the True Heros.

What about a least favorite WOD?

Anything with heavy snatches and box jumps

If you had to name a WOD, what would you name it and what would it include?

Crush: MU’s, Heavy Cleans with farmer’s carry

What are some of your current goals in or outside of CrossFit?

Within the CF realm, I want to be more efficient with my MU’s and TTB, outside be there for my son Wilson and wife Holly. I work too many hours and life is just flying by.

How do you see CrossFit being different than other fitness programs?

The competition/battle is what leads to friendship. I think seeing the struggle that everyone goes through brings us a little closer to one another, makes CF special.

Before you joined, did you think the sport of elite fitness would ever be for you?

Not at all. For most of my adult life I was in my bench press, preacher curl, tricep extension world.

How can other people relate to your story?

My story is the same as most people drawn to CF. Spent too many years at a Globo gym being bored and going through the motions. I needed the challenge of something new. With CF, every day there is a movement or lift that brings a challenge to improve.

Lastly, tell us something that others may not know about you…

I am 43 with a shaved head, but in my late teens, early twenties, I had enough hair to pull off a ponytail and earrings

May 2016

Chris Mullenix

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

I’m from Dallas and I bartend at a restaurant called Shinsei.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

Been doing CrossFit for 3 years now. Decided to join cfwr to become training partners with my sister (Cinthia Mullenix) and my best friends (Rachel and Devin Jacobson).

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I have seen myself change physically and mentally due to the awesome programming. Mentally thanks to the fantastic athletes that support each other through the really tough workouts.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

I love the gymnastics and olympic lifting part of CrossFit. That’s probably why I love the WOD Amanda: 9-7-5 musle ups and squat snatches.

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

I hate Karen. 150 wall balls. Since I’m short, I refer to wall balls as trying to throw a meteor back into space!

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A WOD, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT AND WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

If I had to name a WOD it would be named Chip. Probably be a chipper style workout with most if not all the movements in CrossFit 🙂

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

Current goal in the gym is always to get better, stronger, faster. But if I can help and encourage other people along the way then it makes it all the more fun trying to reach those goals and not be so selfish.

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

I see CrossFit being different from other fitness programs due to its diversity. It never focuses on just one aspect of fitness but all. Doesn’t matter your size or body shape. Its a great workout!

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU EVER THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD BE FOR YOU?

Never thought the sport of elite fitness would’ve been for me. After my first CrossFit workout in my mid 20s, I quickly realized I was not in the shape I thought I was. Shocked having older people crush me in workouts. I was quickly hooked and loved the challenge.

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

People can relate to my story because I used to be a smoker for 6 years before I joined CrossFit. My goals and passion to be more fit, gave me the strength to quit smoking and eat cleaner to live a happier healthier life. Thanks CrossFit!

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

Umm… always been a huge fan of the outdoors. Would love to have a chance to go on a tv show that would require my fitness and mental toughness to survive in the wild!

April 2016

Kevin Sayre

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

I grew up in Rochester, N.Y… better known as the home of The Eastman Kodak Company and more importantly Genesee Beer, aka “The Green Death”. I live in Ridgewood Park which is around Lovers and Abrams with my wife Peggy, two dogs and two cats. No kids but several nieces and nephews which guarantees I have tech support 24/7 for the electronic stuff I do not understand. I have been selling real estate in the neighborhood for the last 20 years, currently with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Team Whiteside Lakewood office.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I guess it will be 4 years ago in October that I found the box. I had been training at a small gym in North Dallas which I credit with getting me in decent shape around 10 years ago but the drive was killing me. One of the coaches there told me about CrossFit so I decided to try a free Saturday 10AM workout and the rest is history, as they say.

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

I was pretty fit when I got here, for an old guy. I do remember thinking maybe I had made a mistake after my first WOD. I thought to myself I already have a t-shirt and Ben has my debit card so I better figure this stuff out. Physically I think I’m stronger and I have more endurance. The biggest change has been mentally. Life has a way of throwing stuff at you, usually at the most inopportune times. They say its 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it. I am much tougher and much more resilient mentally because of CrossFit. I feel like I’ve done Murph and the 12 Days of Christmas WOD three times now, how hard can anything be?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

Strangely enough, I like the rope climbs. From time to time I see REALLY strong people struggle with them. I can actually do them. Hint…use your feet, its super easy. I don’t have a specific favorite WOD, but I tend to enjoy endurance type stuff. I like running. I seem to do better with the longer chipper type workouts. Love the Saturday partner workouts. Oh and the WOD’s at Tietze Park are super fun!

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

Anything involving double unders or overhead squats. I’m just going to have to make peace with the fact that I’ll never have them. We all have our goats, right?

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A WOD, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT AND WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

I think I’d call it 19th nervous breakdown. It would have to include lots of the real crowd favorites…thrusters, burpees, wall balls…maybe some sled pulls just to keep it interesting. Oh and I would claim an over 55 exemption and would not be required to participate.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

Goals? I try not to think that far ahead. How about not dying during a WOD?

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

I don’t have a lot to compare CrossFit with but I will say what I like most is the sense of community. Without sounding too cliché or corny it feels like family. Hard to explain to someone on the “ outside “ but the first time I witnessed the entire group cheering on the last person to finish a WOD ( which is often me ) I knew this place was special.

BEFORE YOU JOINED, DID YOU EVER THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD BE FOR YOU?

To be honest I really never thought about it. There is nothing elite about me whatsoever. At this point I can’t really imagine not doing CrossFit, it’s a lifestyle .

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

I was a 45 year old couch potato, 50 pounds heavier than I am now and one day just decided I didn’t want to live that way anymore. I’m about as average as they come. My message is that anybody can do just about anything if they want it bad enough. There is a saying that goes like this…” If you think you can or if you think you can’t, you are right.” That’s powerful.

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

I have a full size Boeing 737 cockpit simulator in my garage. That’s my vice.

March 2016

Miriam Rollins & Monica Terrill

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF… WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

Monica: While some might mistake us for twins, Miriam is from a much more exotic place than me. I am a Texas girl, born and raised in Dallas. After graduating college, I worked 10 years at a high-intensity staffing company, then happily retired to start a family. (Most of you know Liv an Noah, both members of CFWR, and yes, I do have a husband. His name is Les, and he is a cyclist.) Since that time, I have pretty much given my life to ministry. I write and teach, both here locally, and in many places throughout the world, particularly the nations of Europe. Otherwise, I pretty much live in a bubble. No really.

Miriam: Born to Japanese parents and raised in Brazil. Sao Paulo to be more specific. In 1995 there was an opportunity for me to be transferred to Portugal, but took the wrong plane and ended up in Dallas instead… I do a LOT of number crunching at work and abs crunching at the gym 🙂

Monica and I bonded over old-agedness, since most everyone else were mere youngsters.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

Monica: I started crossfit the spring of whatever year the gym opened. Almost 6 years ago, I think. I had been traveling a lot and had come to the realization that the stronger I was, the more shoes I could pack in my suitcase. I knew when I walked into CFWR it would be home for me. Kyle and TJ were my first coaches. I remember seeing Miriam early on, but can’t remember when we officially met. We just sort of meshed into a team, and then everything then seemed right in my crossfit world. She has been my accountability partner, a constant source of encouragement, and just an overall great friend. Over the years, we’ve squatted a lot, both Smolov and what seemed like Hatch purgatory,… or hell, depending on the day), HIIT’ed, MIIS’d, rowed what seemed the English Channel, airdyned, lifted, then lifted some more, Whole30’d, Lurong’d, WAG’d, and on and on. Her wit keeps me smiling, even in the toughest of wods. She’s goofy just at the right time, and serious when necessary. Lastly, her kindness makes me want to be a better person.

Miriam: I started even before Monica… Maybe when the gym was 1-month old… My husband and I were walking to the dry cleaners next door and I saw that rope hanging… I always wanted to be able to climb a rope… As I was day dreaming, Ben came and got me! Been hooked ever since… Brian Alfano, Wes and I always joke about what 5, going on 6, years of Crossfitting has done to our bodies… Before and after pictures are the same! HAHAHA!

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF CHANGE – MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY – SINCE BEING A PART OF CROSSFIT WHITE ROCK?

Monica: Absolutely. Physically and mentally. I have loved the gradual progression of lean muscle gains, fat loss, and becoming overall stronger, healthy and fit. It takes patience and hard work. Our coaches and CFWR family have been a great source of accountability and encouragement. I have appreciated the education, both fitness and nutritional. Needless to say, it has radically changed my life!

Miriam: YES! I have muscles now! And mentally I have grown, since Crossfit has not done anything for my height… 🙁

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WOD?

Monica: I love all body weight movements. I love lifting, too. But there is something about using what God gave us in our bodies (some more than others) to improve who we are, both on the inside and out. Handstand push-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, all the basics are great. There are certain advantages to being small, but also disadvantages. Same with being tall. It really evens the playing field somewhat. Anything that works the core, too. Except toes to bar. Not a fan. Nope.

Miriam: When there’s a barbell involved, I love everything light :). Other than that, I like climbing the rope (yes, I did learn how to do it, thanks Kyle!!) and, in this 5-year program, I’m finally learning how to do a kipping pullup, even though Michelle says it looks like I’m having a seizure.

Monica: I like the 12 days of Christmas WOD, just cause it’s happy and fun! I love the variety. Murph, cause it challenges the heck out of me. Diane, cause deadlifts and HSPU’s are the bomb! AND, all the partner WODs! Love working together.

Miriam: Monica is really awesome with those HSPU! It is a thing of beauty… I do like the long-ish workouts that have lots of different movements and not too many reps…

WHAT ABOUT A LEAST FAVORITE WOD?

Monica: 5k row. Ugh!

Miriam: Too many to count! That one with the 150 wall balls and rowing (very bad for short people)

Monica: Yea, I’m with Miriam on the 150 wall balls. %*&$! Blah!

IF YOU HAD TO NAME A WOD, WHAT WOULD YOU NAME IT AND WHAT WOULD IT INCLUDE?

Monica: Well, I’ll give a shout out to all the girls. We should have a WOD in honor of each of our girls. Like instead of getting a clock or watch for 5 years a member, we get a WOD named after us. We choose the movements. Mine would involve lots of variety. And rests between sets. I like when rests are programmed in the WOD. It’s a mental thing, I think.

Miriam: Oh yeah! The “Miriam” would be hanging around the weightlifting blocks and gossiping away! For quality!!!!

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR CURRENT GOALS IN OR OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?

Monica: To improve my lifts. I love the little details that make us better and more efficient. To be as flexible as Miriam. She can bend, stretch and move in ways that make most people cringe. Lastly, I would like to have a super power or find some magical formula that makes me like to run.

Miriam: Following my 5-year plan to get a pullup, in another 5 years I’ll get a muscle up. That’s the short term goal!

Monica: This year we will both do a muscle up! May just be one, so get the cameras ready.

HOW DO YOU SEE CROSSFIT BEING DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS?

Miriam: The variety! It never gets old

Monica: It works. Period.

DID YOU EVER THINK THE SPORT OF ELITE FITNESS WOULD BE FOR YOU?

Monica: Idk. I’ve always admired people who work hard and then win! However, I am not competitive at all. I love crossfit because it fits! It’s diverse and allows individuals to excel at many things, while also working on things they really suck at. The atmosphere is so encouraging and there is never that sense that we’ve failed, even on a bad day. It is so fun to see people work so hard, then finally GET IT! Like a double under, or kipping pull-up. To know that feeling when your body actually does something new or to see it happen in others is great!

Miriam: Oh, sure! Look out for me in 2021, right after I conquer the muscle up!!!!

HOW CAN OTHER PEOPLE RELATE TO YOUR STORY?

Monica: It doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are or the level of fitness you’ve known in the past, Crossfit is for everyone. But you have to the one who commits and gets moving. If you do, it will pay off hundredfold! You will be stronger, healthier, you’ll feel better, have greater confidence and be overall happier. I am a living testimony. And so is Miriam! Five+ years in and we are still rockin it every single morning at the crack of dawn.

Miriam: People!!!! Look at me and Monica! If we can do it, anyone can! It’s fun and varied. I am aware I don’t have too much athletic abilities, but I keep on pressing on! Just keep at it and keep your mind open

LASTLY, TELL US SOMETHING THAT OTHERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…

Monica: I pray, a lot. God is the center of everything to me. I’ve always wanted to be a singer. I am working on my 5th book. I love France and all things French. Except snails. I don’t like snails. I am very thankful for our crossfit community. What began as exercise has become a lifestyle filled with the most extraordinary friends.